10 Things I love about Singapore
- Julie Salazar
- May 20, 2017
- 7 min read
Singapore will always be memorable to me because it's the first country I visited alone. This is kind of a big thing for me because I belong to a close-knit family, the "we're all in this together" type, especially when it comes to travels. It was bittersweet because for the first time I'm not with them, it's like my "bird's first time to fly" moment. I took this trip as a gift for my 25 year old self, a lot of things had happened and I guess this trip pretty much sealed the deal esp. in the aspect of maturity, thank God I made it this far. Pardon the long post but here's a list of what I loved about this adventure and hopefully I'd be able to share some valuable info in case you're planning to visit this vibrant country anytime soon, here we go:
One of my favorite places in Singapore is the airport or much known as the Changi Airport because what's not to love? From the beautiful interiors, fast WiFi, accommodating staff, cozy lounges, no wonder it was dubbed as one of the top airports in the world. When I got off the plane til I got my luggage, I still can't believe I'm here and I'm alone, to let things sink in, I sat for a little while and this beautiful wall was in front of me, I felt like I'm a butterfly in a different garden lol.
I love that the signs are very efficient, you will never be lost :)
After minutes of contemplating, it finally sank in, I'm here, I made it, alone! It's kind of a really big thing for me because y'all ready know :) Hence, the selfie.
Finally my sundo is here! My super pretty Ate Hazel, despite her very busy schedule she was able to fetch me at the airport, she was my dorm room mate way back in college, was so happy to see her again :)
Suntec City is like the business district of Singapore, office towers are everywhere. Look! there's the Fountain of Wealth, once recognized as the largest fountain in the world and believed by some to bring good luck.
We stopped by this very fancy jewelry store in Suntec City Mall to meet up a friend, they served this very delicious tea, just perfect for my tired self.
And we had a lit dinner at this place called District 10 also at Suntec City Mall, a restaurant best known for their Dry Aged Steak, sounds cool right?
It's called Dry Aged because the meat was basically kept and carefully stored in a refrigerator for 45 days. So meticulously prepared, no wonder it tastes so good :)
Plus it's free, for me, thanks to these two for the treat, food really taste better when it's free lol :)
I will never forget my first night in SG esp. when we sang our hearts out (all the feels) in this karaoke place and had some milk tea, Gong Cha is love.
3) Clean Environment
If there's one thing I also admire in SG, it's the cleanliness of the place, being my OC self, I loved that everything in this country is neat and in order.
This is Suntec during daytime, isn't it beautiful?
Day 2 was the real adventure for me, I was alone the whole day, everybody had to go to work, it was also my first time to try Singapore's version of the Hainanese Chicken, I can say it has a simpler taste compared to the Hainanese Chicken I've tried here in the Philippines, a little less sweet and salty.
4) Haji Lane
If you're the artsy type of person like me, you'll definitely love this part of Singapore, Haji Lane is one of the famous tourist attractions in SG, from street arts, themed restaurants and vintage stores, this place has it all.
Oh the vintage stores, as you all know I really have a fetish for old things and clothes :)
I think I spent like an hour window shopping lol I'm not here to shop anyway.
I thought these letter boxes are just part of the aesthetics but hey! they are actual letter boxes of the stores, how cute! :)
Anywhere I look there's always something interesting to find.
I'm really a fan of presentation, w/c explains why my favorite villain is Megamind, if you know what I mean :)
So I pretty much spent some time goofing around, I tried to vlog but, I still don't have the energy and the memory for that, didn't bring a cam just used my phone cam, maybe on my next trip :)
Went inside a Ghibli gallery and wished I had all the time.
Met a new friend :)
Just beside Haji Lane is Arab St. here you'll find a lot of textile shops, so if you're looking for fine silk, satin and embroidered fabrics this is the place to be.
I had a very interesting and fun time at Haji Lane and Arab St. I almost forgot I have a dinner date with the Ates.
5) The Food
I walked almost all afternoon at Haji Lane no wonder my tummy's on a brawl, we went to this community center (I forgot the name of the place) where you can find lots of food stalls aka Hawkers that serve one of SG's famous dishes, the Salted Egg Yolk Crab. Yummy!
A groupfie before we savor the yummy food, oops! someone's afraid of the cam :)
Sad to say it was Ate Chen's last night in SG we accompanied her to the airport, so happy I found a new friend in her and a great karaoke buddy too :)
7) Changi Airport's Kinetic Rain
I don't know why but I find Changi Airport's Kinetic Rain very interesting and at the same time so calming, known to be the largest kinetic sculpture in the world, it's one of the thing's I'll never forget about this trip, I'm such a sucker for these things. Watch the video maybe you'll understand what I'm saying.
8) Universal Studios Singapore
After a tiring Day 2 and a Game of Thrones marathon that night, we woke up late the next day for the Universal Studios experience huhu. Nevertheless, it was still a great USS experience because I had the best companion :)
Btw we bought the tickets at SG's Chinatown Mall not sure if it's cheaper there but there are a lot of agencies who sell tickets to different tourist destinations in SG to choose from :)
WARNING! Touristy shots ahead :)
Just in time for the show of the Universal Studios' dance crew, The Rockafellas, most of them are Filipinos.
Shrek's house!
Wait where's Donkey and Princess Fiona?
Sci-Fi City, I think my favorite attraction was the Transformers Ride, felt like I was in the battle for real.
Low key tired but still managed to smile and pose lol
Jurassic Park!
The park closed early that day as they are preparing for the Halloween season, heard Halloween's really rad here, hopefully I'd get to experience it next time :)
Ciao Universal Studios!
On Day 4 (also my last day) in SG, I decided to ride the hop-on hop-off bus, because I know it'll be impossible for me to reach the destinations on single journeys, I want this trip to be very efficient and riding the bus didn't disappoint :)
Hooray! I'm so early I have the bus all to myself, that's the Esplanade (Theatres On the Bay) behind me.
Well hello Marina Bay Sands, from the other side :)
The Singapore Flyer, will ride you next time :)
First stop was the Singapore Botanic Gardens, what a great place to clear your mind.
Next stop, the Orchard Road, a haven for brand enthusiasts
Brands brands brands everywhere. If you've read my previous fashion blog you'll understand why I didn't hop off the bus plus I really have limited time :)
At last we've met Marina Bay Sands, as expected, majestic Architecture :)
All your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections, lol hardly seen one.
From up the lobby, a feast for the eyes :)
I wasn't able to go to Gardens By The Bay since I have a flight to catch, it'll be on top of the list the next time.
10) The People I've Met
Though it was such a quick trip, I'm very happy I was able to do it, and if there's one thing I'm also thankful for is that I met these incredible people.
See you guys soon! :)
Growing up, people say I live a sheltered life, because my parents would not allow me to go wherever I want. I remember some of my friends asking me questions like, aren't you lonely living like that? why can't you just decide for yourself? do you even have a life? I must admit, before, whenever I will be asked these questions I'd feel a little bit anxious, being different from the rest and all that, but now, being the person that I've become I'm proud to say that I love every bit of my life and how I live/d it. Instead of using the term strict, I would like to use the term close, yes, we are a very close family and a little bit clingy to each other because we really enjoy being with each other.
I consider my parents and siblings my best friends and I'm thankful for that, after all, we don't always have the time in the world to be with them so why not spend as much time as we can with the people who really got our backs right? I know a lot of my readers can relate to this because Filipinos are naturally clingy esp. when it comes to family. But there will really come a time when you will need to travel on your own and for me, it's one of the most liberating experiences I've ever had. Do you believe in the saying, all things have there own perfect time? I deeply believe that, and this adventure for me is the start of many more great adventures. One of the best ways to know yourself and to grow is to travel, all it takes is a brave heart, til the next adventure, ciao! :)
